Placement Year Review at BAE Systems

The Role

Role Description

I have had a wide range of roles covering CAD work and design, project management, manufacturing, computer simulation and research

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The placement gave me an opportunity to experience a wide range of engineering and associated functions. This also included opportunities to travel and work on exciting fast paced projects.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was given high levels of responsibility and felt I had a real impact on all projects/vehicles I worked on.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There is a very strong support network with graduate co-ordinators, technical and corporate mentors, along with extensive support within project teams.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The work load was fairly constant, although some projects tended to flit between very busy with lots of overtime and very quiet.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was given high levels of responsibility and felt I had a real impact on all projects/vehicles I worked on.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There were opportunities to train, altough it was sometimes a protracted process to get funding approved. In each project there were extensive learning opportunities with people who were more than willing to give time to share knowledge.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Bright and upbeat.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Well organised in terms of logitstics and security, but sometimes frustrating with regards computer acesses.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The company invested in training and support to get around the business and see other sites/business units.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• National Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Above 25 days holiday

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

It is an industry which I have an interest in, and a large company which will allow me to experience a range of jobs roles with possibilities of career progression.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was an extensive undergraduate/graduate network, with plenty of nights out and social events.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Quite cheap for a city.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Newcastle city centre is a great night out.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Yes, we supported charities such as the Smallpiece Trust and raised money via charity walks such as the 3 peaks challenge.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

This is a company which invests heavily in young people, but expects hard work in return. All projects are rewarding and you get out what you put in. There are limitless opportunities and great people to work with.

Review 17/27 for BAE Systems

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